Who does candidiasis affect?

Everyone has fungi naturally occurring on their skin and in their mucous membranes. In some rare cases, especially with a weakened immune system, they can grow out of control and cause inflammation.

Candidiasis can indicate a weakened immune system, for example due to an HIV infection.

How is candidiasis transmitted?

Everyone has fungi living naturally on their skin. Fungal infections only result in symptoms when they spread rapidly in the body.

This can happen as a result of a weakened immune system, use of antibiotics or cortisone, or diabetes. Fungi can grow on patches and folds of skin that are often moist.

How can I protect myself?

Maintaining good bodily hygiene and keeping your skin and all areas of your body dry can help prevent some cases.

If candidiasis occurs as a result of another condition or on other parts of the body (e.g. the vagina), it cannot be prevented.

What symptoms can appear?

Symptoms in the genital region may include:

• intense itching
• swollen, inflamed, reddened genitals
• a burning sensation when urinating
• whitish deposits on heavily inflamed mucous membrane
• vaginal discharge (milky white, thick, smells like yeast)

How do they test for candidiasis?

A test is carried out in the event of symptoms.

A medical professional can identify candidiasis with a visual diagnosis. For confirmation, a swab sample from the affected site is examined.

How is candidiasis treated?

Fungal infections only require treatment if symptoms are present. Treatment involving medication, suppositories or ointments is usually successful. The method of treatment depends on the location of the infection in the body.

It is also important to resolve the cause to prevent recurring cases of candidiasis.

Sexual partners only need to be tested if they have symptoms.